Mercy Corps leads project in Jakarta's slums
Indonesia, November 10, 2010
Kristi Heim
The Seattle Times
November, 2010
Portland-based Mercy Corps is at work in Jakarta's slums, where problems with sanitation and water stand in stark contrast to the image of Indonesia as an increasingly prosperous society.
JAKARTA, Indonesia — In Kalideres, a slum on the western edge of Indonesia's capital, the story of water is either too much or not enough.
During the rainy season, flooding causes sewage to overflow from gutters and seep into streets and homes.
But for daily living, the lack of safe drinking water means residents must buy it in large plastic jugs for about 33 cents a day.